Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

Cesar Chavez's love of jazz and pachuco culture

Labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez expressed an interest in music from an early age. He grew up identifying as a pachuco, a young Mexican-American who wore zoot suits and listened to jazz, blues and swing music. "A lot of people have no idea that the leader of the Farm Workers Union was this guy that had this urban soul inside him," said filmmaker Luis Valdez.

Support Provided By
Season
Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:57
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:35
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.
Thought Leaders
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Moynihan
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:43:31
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
HOPPER: An American love story
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
José Clemente Orozco: Hombre de Fuego (En Español)
54:31
El artista José Clemente Orozco (1883-1945) encabezó el movimiento muralista en México.
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:29
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
A Song for Cesar
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:12
Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
1:29:31
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
Active loading indicator